COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTIONAfter its initial release in February 2009, Top Sail was aged for about 10 months in bourbon casks from Kentucky. This extended aging presents aromas of oak, coconut and bourbon. Deep chocolate flavors warm to a full-bodied beer. Deep black in color, Top Sail Bourbon Aged Imperial Porter has a roasty malt flavor that is immensely drinkable and smooth. Very limited availability in 22oz. bottles and draught. ABV 9.85% IBU 65

2012 edition.
Poured from a bomber into a beer can glass on 09.07.14.
A: Chocolate pie, vanilla, and dark fruit. It smells very well balanced.
A: 1/2 finger brown fizzy head which quickly recedes. Midnight black body with no red.
T: Chocolate pie, vanilla, and dark fruit dominate. Oak is subtle.
P: Creamy. A bit bubbly but it feels nice on the tongue.
O: Full Sail does an excellent job with balance. This one continues the trend. Chocolate hits first, then vanilla, with dark fruit on the back end. The alcohol is completely hidden. Granted, the ABV is only 9.5% but I expected to feel it more than I did in the mouth.

"falls a little short only because there are so many super barrel aged dark beers on the mrket these days. this was good, but not among the best, and not worth $10 IMO. maybe a little more time in the bottle? the beer aspects from the IP (which i like better than this) are overpowered by the bourbon, and the body is medium to full, but not as smooth as, say, a bourbon county. the aroma was not what iíd hoped. the flavor of bourbon and chocolate nice. "

Lots of bourbon barrel and alcohol right up front, definite winter warmer material, not as smooth as Boulevard Barrel aged quad tried in same session. Pours near black, minimal head, aroma of alcohol and peat. Taste is sharp and biting right from the get go, a true sipper....

22oz bottle in 2012 from notes. Pours dark brown to black with a small fizzy beige head that doesnít last. The aroma and flavor had chocolate, bourbon, vanilla and woody notes and hints of dark fruits. Not as big in body or mouth feel as I might have expected. Decent sipper.

Bottle. Black body, big, fine head the color of a brown paper bag. Aroma bourbon, molasses, soy sauce, dried plum. Flavor soy sauce, molasses, bourbon, oak, vanilla, black licorice, sour plum, coffee. Body smooth, nice viscosity, but not syrupy, fine, understated carbonation. This is very close to perfect for me. I love the dark, fruity imperials, but this is just a touch too acidic, and I wish it were a touch roastier and maltier.

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